Tensions are running high in the hockey world as controversy swirls around the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. With Game 4 set to unfold at the Bell Centre, the spotlight isn’t just on the ice, but also on the league’s handling of recent incidents that have sparked debate among fans, players, and journalists alike.

A stern warning from Bettman and the NHL to both teams has only added fuel to the fire, especially after reports of questionable conduct during commercial breaks and intermissions. Journalists have not held back, with Anthony Marcotte’s pointed response to the league’s selective discipline resonating strongly with the hockey community.

As anticipation builds for the puck drop, questions linger about whether stricter officiating will be enforced and if the warning will truly temper the aggressive play that has defined this series. All eyes are now on the referees and league officials, as the outcome of tonight’s game could be shaped as much by what happens off the ice as by the action on it. The stage is set for another dramatic chapter in this heated playoff rivalry.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Journalist Anthony Marcotte had the perfect response after Renaud Lavoie’s report involving Gary Bettman and the Montreal Canadiens.

Let’s remember that earlier today, the TVA Sports journalist revealed that Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League issued a serious warning to the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals ahead of Game 4.

The details are right here:

But basically, the NHL really didn’t appreciate the incidents that occurred during commercial breaks and intermissions.

Of course, we immediately think of what happened at the Capitals’ bench.

A Perfect Response From Anthony Marcotte Under Renaud Lavoie’s Post About Gary Bettman and the NHL

In reaction to this news, journalist Anthony Marcotte (BPM Sports) replied with this, and it was absolutely worth mentioning.

“We don’t like those cross-checks to the face that go unpunished. Can we send them a message too? (to Gary Bettman and the NHL)”

Well said.

I sincerely hope we’ll see a bit tighter and more acceptable officiating tonight for the Habs vs. Caps game, but we’ll see.

Not saying that referees should be as strict as during the regular season, but at the very least, they need to penalize cross-checks to the face and other cheap shots like that.

The game kicks off in just a few minutes, live from the Bell Centre!

Will this league warning calm down the likes of Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson?

Allow me to doubt it.